The World Waterpark Association is often asked by media and others about how the industry is faring in any given year. As you’d expect, the answer varies a bit each year depending on factors that are outside the control of most operators, including weather and economic downturns.
In general, 2017 was considered a tough weather year for large swathes of our global industry, however many signs indicate that 2018 has been considerably better in many regions of the world. While not every park in every region experienced perfect weather every day, the weather was generally more consistent and allowed operators to string more good days together.
Some areas such as European markets are benefitting from an increase in “tourism from within the EU that seems to have returned to affordable European destinations,” according to the 2017 TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report.
Another contributing factor to how the industry is doing this year: many operators used the offseason to brainstorm some new, innovative ways to market and promote their attractions. As the proverb says, “necessity is the mother of invention”. The weather challenges of 2017 galvanised many in the water leisure industry to think creatively about how to be more reactive to good and bad weather days.
Whether it was dynamic pricing strategies or launching new in-park promotions and events to boost attendance, waterpark operators have been actively trying new things in 2018 and seeing positive results.
Aleatha Ezra, director of park member development, WWA
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Rides: Themed dreams
We take a look at some of the major
openings at visitor attractions worldwide
Theme Parks: Fan power
Jordan Middleton explains how operators
can best work with their audiences
Tourism: The Tourist Trap
What role could attractions play to keep
tourism beneficial for residents and
visitors alike? Kath Hudson reports
Conference: Creativity Cocktail
This year’s SATE conference came to the global epicentre for themed entertainment – Orlando – as the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) searched for the secrets to “The Experience Recipe”.
Promotional feature: Whitewater
WhiteWater is branching out of the waterpark business as it
introduces two new attractions products and its brand new
Vantage guest engagement and management software
Show report: Enabling fun
Tom Anstey was on-hand to see what was
on offer at this year’s Euro Attractions Show
Promotional feature: Simtec - forward thinking
Simtec is a flying theatre and simulator ride supplier
for the attractions industry, as well as a manufacturer
of driving and flight simulation applications
In a world where imbalance often accumulates quietly, Wildsmith unveils its newest
wellbeing innovation: Silent Loads, an approach designed to meet the needs of modern spa
guests with precision and depth. [more...]
The World Waterpark Association is often asked by media and others about how the industry is faring in any given year. As you’d expect, the answer varies a bit each year depending on factors that are outside the control of most operators, including weather and economic downturns.
In general, 2017 was considered a tough weather year for large swathes of our global industry, however many signs indicate that 2018 has been considerably better in many regions of the world. While not every park in every region experienced perfect weather every day, the weather was generally more consistent and allowed operators to string more good days together.
Some areas such as European markets are benefitting from an increase in “tourism from within the EU that seems to have returned to affordable European destinations,” according to the 2017 TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report.
Another contributing factor to how the industry is doing this year: many operators used the offseason to brainstorm some new, innovative ways to market and promote their attractions. As the proverb says, “necessity is the mother of invention”. The weather challenges of 2017 galvanised many in the water leisure industry to think creatively about how to be more reactive to good and bad weather days.
Whether it was dynamic pricing strategies or launching new in-park promotions and events to boost attendance, waterpark operators have been actively trying new things in 2018 and seeing positive results.
Aleatha Ezra, director of park member development, WWA
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Rides: Themed dreams
We take a look at some of the major
openings at visitor attractions worldwide
Theme Parks: Fan power
Jordan Middleton explains how operators
can best work with their audiences
Tourism: The Tourist Trap
What role could attractions play to keep
tourism beneficial for residents and
visitors alike? Kath Hudson reports
Conference: Creativity Cocktail
This year’s SATE conference came to the global epicentre for themed entertainment – Orlando – as the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) searched for the secrets to “The Experience Recipe”.
Promotional feature: Whitewater
WhiteWater is branching out of the waterpark business as it
introduces two new attractions products and its brand new
Vantage guest engagement and management software
Show report: Enabling fun
Tom Anstey was on-hand to see what was
on offer at this year’s Euro Attractions Show
Promotional feature: Simtec - forward thinking
Simtec is a flying theatre and simulator ride supplier
for the attractions industry, as well as a manufacturer
of driving and flight simulation applications
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care
has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that
cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of
Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at its Playa Grande Resort and Spa in Los
Cabos.
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at
Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam, has put together a Global Wellness Day
(GWD) agenda with activations rooted in nature and shaped by four pillars of Joy – in
alignment with the day’s theme #JoyMagenta.
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the 2026 event in
Phuket, Thailand, later this year with the theme: The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness.
Auko, an all-inclusive development, is opening in Phong Nha in Vietnam in Q3 2026, with a
series of 30 tented eco-lodges and wellness hospitality operations by Lumina Wellbeing.
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions
that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once
complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort, has opened a 2,800sq m spa called The Sanctuary,
with the design and concept inspired by the Native American people that populated Florida’s
Southwest coast – the Calusa.
In a world where imbalance often accumulates quietly, Wildsmith unveils its newest
wellbeing innovation: Silent Loads, an approach designed to meet the needs of modern spa
guests with precision and depth. [more...]
